On Saturday, September 13th, our Verduyn Tarps team swapped out our usual loads for something a little different—a 200,000 lb plane! As part of the United Way Hamilton Halton Plane Pull 2025, we joined dozens of local teams in an unforgettable test of strength, teamwork, and community spirit.
Meet the Heavy Haulers
We proudly competed under the team name “Heavy Haulers.” The name was a natural fit—our industry is built on the strength of haulers who move heavy loads every single day. This time, though, we traded flatbeds and freight for something much bigger. After all, what heavier load could there be than an airplane?
Together, our team pulled the plane 200 feet in just 39 seconds. It was more than just an impressive feat of power—it was a showcase of what’s possible when people come together and pull in the same direction, both literally and figuratively.
As Larry Labelle, Team Captain and Director of Business Administration at Verduyn Tarps, put it: “My wife attended the Plane Pull event last year with her work, and as soon as I saw it, I knew we had to do it with our Verduyn team. Not only to feel like we are making a positive impact in our community, but just the figurative example of showing your team what is possible when we are all focused on pulling in the same direction.”
Powered by Purpose
Beyond the adrenaline of pulling a plane, the real reward was knowing we helped raise funds for a cause that touches countless lives. Collectively, the event raised $300,000 for the Hamilton Halton community, supporting vital United Way programs that provide food security, shelter, youth support, and other essential services.
Larry reflected on the deeper meaning of getting involved: “I think it speaks to people’s character when they involve themselves in charity work for the community. When we do interviews for prospective staff, I now include questions about any charity work they have been involved in.”
Why Truckers Get It
Truckers know better than anyone that heavy hauling is about more than muscle—it’s about coordination, balance, and trust in your team. That is exactly what we brought to the tarmac. The same qualities that keep freight moving safely across North America powered us through the Plane Pull.
And it was not just the team that showed up—their families did too. “My team brought a bunch of their family members and loved the event,” Larry shared. “The conversation is already heading towards what we need to do next year to better our pull time. I thank everyone for taking the time to help us make a positive difference.”
Community and Industry, Side by Side
At Verduyn Tarps, we believe the trucking industry isn’t just about delivering goods—it’s about delivering impact. Events like the Plane Pull are proof that when industries, companies, and communities align, the results are bigger than the sum of their parts.
We could not be prouder of our Heavy Haulers team and the role we played in helping United Way hit this incredible fundraising milestone.
Thank you to United Way Hamilton Halton for hosting this event, and to everyone who supported us. We’ll see you on the tarmac again next year—ready to haul even heavier!
